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Flash acquire Leroux

Faced with the prospect of not having Abby Wambach for the 2015 National Women’s Soccer League season, the Western New York Flash made a major trade Monday to acquire high-scoring forward Sydnay Leroux and Amanda Frisbie, a former high draft pick in the NWSL, from Seattle Reign FC.

In exchange the Flash traded the rights to Wambach, midfielder Amber Brooks and their first pick in the 2016 NWSL College Draft. Wambach had announced that she would not play in the NWSL this year in order to focus on playing for the U.S. team in the Women’s World Cup.

Leroux, who was an All-American at UCLA with 33 goals to date with the U.S. Women’s National Team, led the Boston Breakers with 11 goals in 2013 and had five goals in 22 games for Seattle Reign last year.

“Sydney Leroux is a top goalscorer who has had both a fantastic club and international career so far,” said Flash general manager and head coach Aaran Lines. “I’m excited about the opportunity that she presents for us and the offensive threat that she adds to our attack.”

Frisbie was the No. 7 pick in the 2014 NWSL College Draft but missed her rookie season with injury. A native of North Richland Hills, Texas, Frisbie scored 71 career goals in her four seasons for the University of Portland.

“We love that she is young and will want to play a contributing role with our club,” Lines said.

Brooks, acquired from Portland in a November 2014 trade, never played for WNY.